What Are the Courses in a Biomedical Informatics Degree Program?

A Biomedical Informatics degree program trains researchers to design and implement strategies for analyzing biomedical data. Biomedical Informatics degree programs are usually offered as master's or Ph.D. programs, and students may focus on bioinformatics, clinical informatics or public health informatics. Core courses usually include introductions to computer science, biomedicine and statistics. Schools offering Anatomy & Physiology degrees can also be found in these popular choices.

Biomedical Informatics Degree Programs

According to Columbia University's Department of Biomedical Informatics, the field involves solving problems regarding the collection, storage and optimal use of biological and medical information. This complex discipline requires familiarity with biology, medicine and computer science, so Biomedical Informatics degree programs usually take the form of Ph.D. or master's degree programs that require a bachelor's degree in a relevant area like biology or computer science for admission.


Several schools offer master's degrees and doctoral degrees in Biomedical Informatics, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Stanford University. Biomedical Informatics students at Stanford must complete core courses in Biomedical Informatics, statistics and probability, computer science, biomedicine and research ethics. Some of these Biomedical Informatics courses can be taken online.

Biomedical Informatics Fundamentals

Biomedical Informatics core courses teach students how computers are used to study biology and medicine. Students learn about:

  • Biomedical System Modeling
  • Designing Information Systems and Biomedical Software
  • Algorithms and Representations for Molecular Biology

Statistics and Probability

Students in graduate Biomedical Informatics degree programs must have a firm grasp of decision science, probability theory and statistics so that they can effectively test hypotheses using biomedical data. Both master's and Ph.D. in Biomedical Informatics students may take the following core courses:


  • Bayesian Statistics and Probability Theory
  • Machine Learning and Data Mining
  • Experimental Design and Decision Analysis

Computer Science

In order to design ways to optimize the use of biomedical data, Biomedical Informatics students learn to create software programs and databases. M.S in Biomedical Informatics and Biomedical Informatics Ph.D. students must demonstrate knowledge in the following areas:


  • Algorithms and Data Structures
  • Programming and Data Architecture
  • Artificial Intelligence

Biomedicine

Students pursuing Biomedical Informatics degrees, especially those with bachelor's degreees in computer science, engineering or information systems need to take core courses that cover:


  • Biology and Immunology
  • Biochemistry or Molecular Biology
  • Laboratory Methods

Research Law and Ethics

Core Biomedical Informatics courses in law and ethics expose students to the societal implications of their research. They typically include case study analysis and discussion of issues like these:

  • Confidentiality and Privacy
  • Public Policy
  • Management and Financing of Research
  • Responsible Research Practices

To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:

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